mc-med Chapter 123 Seven OV concludes; a masterpiece that uses the drama to satirize the present.
Chapter 123 Seven OV concludes; a masterpiece that uses the drama to satirize the present.
(Just a heads-up: in this universe, Seven OV ends with "I Am an Earthling," because the writers of the last five episodes, which aired in 02, started backfiring on some settings and had many logical problems in the plot, which was too controversial. Therefore, the Dyna arc will begin next.)
Forty-eight hours after the broadcast of "I Am an Earthling".
Since this episode serves as the grand finale of Project Origin, its length is similar to that of a regular movie, and due to its subject matter, it was compiled into a single episode, giving everyone a satisfying viewing experience.
Therefore, it also gave all viewers who watched this episode enough time to think.
The uproar on the internet has not subsided; on the contrary, it's like a pot of boiling water, with the heat continuing to rise.
Discussions about "justice," "aggression," and the "Omega Archives" have been rampant on major social media platforms, forums, and video websites.
The ending that left countless viewers heartbroken—Seven standing amidst the ruins, bearing the infamy, yet still choosing to fight for humanity—became the most tear-jerking scene of the year.
Sunday at 8 PM.
On Bilibili, the title of the live stream by UP master "Lao Tang" was changed early on to: "[In-depth analysis: Gu Nan's ambition and Seven's blood and tears, what is the finale of 'I Am an Earthling' really about?]".
The video had already garnered over 500,000 views within just ten minutes of its release, with a dense barrage of comments that almost completely covered the screen.
"Brothers, we're here."
In the video, Lao Tang is still dressed in his signature attire.
The backdrop behind him was covered with stills from this episode of Seven, with Seven's blood-stained face right in the center.
"These past two days, I've received many private messages asking me, 'Old Tang, Seven' has already reached its finale, why haven't you released an analysis yet? Have you been driven mad by the tragedy?'"
Old Tang gave a wry smile, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag: "To be honest, I was really stunned by the knife."
But what shocked me even more was that Gu Nan, that old rascal… no, this time I should respectfully call him Director Gu, the profound meaning he planted in this episode was simply terrifying.”
"This episode is a sharp blade piercing reality!"
The scene shifts, and we get to the main topic.
"First, let's talk about the impact of the plot. Brothers, let's review it."
How did you feel when the messenger from Nonmalt stood before Seven, accusing humanity of being the invaders?
The screen displayed a series of edited images: desolate desert ruins, a mysterious metal coffin, and the desperate screams of a woman in white.
"I believe many people's first reaction is—what does this mean? How can a human being be a bad person?"
"We've always been the poor little guys being bullied by monsters! But that's where Director Gu's ruthlessness lies. He used the 'Omega Files' concept to completely shatter the audience's God's-eye view."
Old Tang's voice was deep and powerful: "Ten thousand years ago, humans, as outsiders, used their superior military force to slaughter the Nunmart people, drove them to the seabed and underground, and then usurped their place, claiming to be the masters of the earth."
As he recounted his story, the audience seemed to witness the past.
"This plot twist isn't just a twist for the sake of a twist. It's meant to raise an ultimate philosophical question—what exactly is justice?"
To be honest, I was surprised by this plot twist when I was watching the Showa Seven series.
[Indeed, I got goosebumps at that moment.]
If this is true, then what about Seven's previous protection? Was it aiding and abetting evil?
[The original Showa-era series already offered thought-provoking discussions about the Nonmart people, and this episode's further exploration of that history elevates the entire series.]
In the video, Lao Tang continued his analysis: "This puts Seven in an absolute dilemma."
Look closely, this is the climax of the entire Seven project.
At this moment, Seven faces the ultimate choice between morality and order.
"From the perspective of the laws of the universe, that is, the so-called 'cosmic justice,' humanity is the aggressor and the Nonmalt are the victims. Given Seven's identity as a 'star observer' and 'cosmic enforcer,' he should help the victims take revenge, or at least not interfere and let the monster Zabangi destroy humanity."
"but!"
Old Tang suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming impassioned, "If Seven doesn't help humanity, humanity will perish."
That was the race he lived with day and night, the race he loved deeply!
Even if the ancestors of this race were not clean, the humans of today, and every member of the Ultra Guard, including Rimi, Captain Bai Yong, and so on, are innocent; they are living, breathing beings!
"If Seven agrees that humanity's occupation of Earth is a natural law of 'survival of the fittest,' then he denies the conscience that advanced civilizations should have; conversely, if Seven insists on absolute justice in the universe, then he must watch helplessly as the humans he loves are slaughtered."
"This is the clash between personal desires and public principles. In the end, Seven made his choice."
He chose selfish desires, and he chose to betray the laws of the universe.
The scene cuts to Seven, covered in blood, slaying the monster Zabangi under the setting sun.
"With this strike, Seven killed not only a monster, but also himself, who represented 'absolute justice'."
For the sake of humanity, he was willing to soil his hands and bear the blame.
Therefore, I say that Seven is the character who sacrificed the most in the entire film. He sacrificed his position in the universe, he sacrificed his innocence, all to fight for a future where humanity could prove itself.
The comments section was filled with people who were moved to tears.
He really... loves humans so much!
Honestly, I never imagined that an alien could go to such lengths for humanity...
[Legendary Lover King]
[Waaaaah, my lover is suffering so much.]
He really made me cry my eyes out.
The phrase "I am an Earthling" carries immense weight.
[This isn't Tiga's "both light and human," this is someone who could remain a neutral third party... but what did he choose? He chose to stand on the side of humanity.]
Immediately afterwards, Old Tang's expression turned serious, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.
"But brothers, if you think Gu Nan just wants to tell a story of a 'hero's tragedy,' then you are underestimating him."
Old Tang stubbed out his cigarette, leaned forward, and looked directly into the camera: "The real bombshell of this episode of 'I Am an Earthling' lies in its allusions to reality and its declaration of war against 'historical nihilism'!"
The background music suddenly became oppressive, and the scene cut to the gloomy face of Staff Officer He Zhi, the self-immolated Yin Jiguo, and Captain Tongshan.
"Does everyone remember what Staff Officer He Zhi said? History is written by the victors. In order to cover up the crimes of aggression 15,000 years ago, the high command of the defense force established the 'Omega Archives' to block all information. Anyone who dares to investigate will die. Even the house of the former captain, Kiriyama, was confiscated and the documents were erased along with it."
"What does this remind you of?"
Old Tang paused, then raised his voice an octave: "They slaughtered all the original inhabitants and then claimed to be the masters of this land; they committed countless crimes during the war, but afterwards they desperately destroyed archives, covered up the truth, and even revised textbooks, trying to make future generations forget that bloody history..."
"Isn't this the work of our neighbor, 'Japan'?! But is it just Japan?"
Old Tang sneered, his eyes sharpening, his finger almost poking the lens:
"Brothers, broaden your horizons! Look at that 'Beautiful Country' across the ocean, which prides itself on being a beacon of civilization! Aren't the 'humans' in this episode a reflection of them?"
"How did they treat the Native Americans when they first set foot on that new continent? They massacred them, scalped them, gave them blankets with smallpox, treated the indigenous people like livestock, seized their land, and established the so-called 'free nation'."
"And now? They've glorified that bloody history of expansion as the 'Westward Expansion Movement,' leaving the indigenous people to fend for themselves in reserves, while they themselves stand on moral high ground pointing fingers!"
"Whether it's Japan's Unit 731 or the United States' massacre of Native Americans, they're essentially the same! The Omega Archives are what these 'victors' don't want anyone to see—their dirty secrets!"
This statement was like a thunderclap, causing an uproar in the comments section and on-screen chat, even more intense than before.
Holy crap!
To be honest, Gu Nan is really fierce...
[It's chilling to think about! I knew this part looked familiar!]
[Gu Nan is awesome! He's practically insulting me to my face!]
This is an area-of-effect attack! It's completely condemned both hypocritical countries!
[Omega Archives = Unit 731 Documents + The Dark History of the Westward Expansion Movement?]
Burning down Captain Kiriyama's house = destroying evidence!
In the video, Lao Tang was clearly a little agitated: "Brothers, whether we're watching tokusatsu or reading novels, we have to have a sense of proportion."
Gu Nan's use of drama to satirize the present was brilliant!
"The high-ranking officers of the defense force in the drama represent politicians in reality who attempt to promote 'historical nihilism.' Do they think that as long as they burn the files, silence those who know the truth, and change the textbooks, the crimes committed 15,000 years ago will cease to exist? Do they think that as long as they don't admit it, they are righteous?"
"Not only that! Look at Captain Bai Yong's choice."
The scene cuts to Captain Bai Yong speaking over the loudspeaker, his face covered in sweat but his eyes filled with determination.
"We acknowledge that humanity's ancestors committed unforgivable crimes! Only by facing history can humanity have a future!"—Listen to that! Everyone, listen carefully! This is the true light of humanity! This is the responsibility a great power should have! Gu Nan is teaching his neighbors how to behave!
"In reality, Japan is still worshipping that so-called 'sacred toilet' to this day, still denying the 300,000 innocent souls in Nanjing, and still trying to glorify that war of aggression."
"They are like Staff Officer He Zhi in the play, living in their own fabricated lies, thinking that this is how they can preserve their so-called 'glory'."
"But what about in reality? This self-deceptive behavior will only condemn them to an even deeper place on the pillar of historical shame!"
"Germany, also an instigator of World War II and a defeated nation, has reflected on its wartime actions with extreme thoroughness! Isn't this a stark contrast in character?"
As Old Tang finished speaking, he slammed his hand on the table, making a loud "bang".
"Through the story of 'I Am an Earthling,' Gu Nan is actually telling all viewers: forgetting history means betrayal!"
If we engage in historical nihilism like Staff Officer He Zhi, then humanity is truly not worth Seven's efforts to save!
It is because of people like Captain Bai Yong, who dare to face mistakes and take responsibility, that humanity deserves a future, and Seven's sacrifice has meaning!
This analysis is truly thought-provoking, elevating the concept of "Ultraman Seven" to a new level.
The live chat was now completely buzzing, the screen filled with red text:
Remember history! Never forget national humiliation!
[Director Gu's move is in the atmosphere!]
This is true cultural export! This is the mainstream ideology we need!
Did you hear that? Tell it to Japan, and tell it to America!
No wonder this episode is called a masterpiece; its scale is truly grand.
Old Tang took a sip of water to calm himself down, and then said, "Aside from the political metaphors, let's go back to Seven himself."
Another detail in this episode that impressed me was when Kazemori was locked in his cell, looking out at the starry sky.
"At that time, Staff Officer He Zhi had already discovered his identity and was going to execute him. His teammates, in order to save him, did not hesitate to break him out of prison. The emotional handling in this part is extremely delicate."
"Especially Rimi. Although she was holding a gun, her hand was trembling. Subconsciously, she knew that although the person in front of her was an alien, he was more human than anyone else. This bond that transcended race reached its peak when Seven chose to protect humanity at the end."
"Just like the title of this episode, 'I Am an Earthling,' it's not just about the Nonmalt people, and it's not just about humanity."
"These words should have come from Seven's mouth!"
"This statement isn't just stating a biological fact; it's more like declaring a stance. Like a foreigner who deeply loves this land and is willing to shed blood and sacrifice for its peace, then he is our compatriot! Conversely, those traitors who forget their roots and betray national interests, even if they shed our blood, don't deserve to be our compatriots!"
"Although Seven was born in the M78 Nebula, he deserves the title of 'Earthling' far more than those high-ranking officers in the defense force who only want to cover up their crimes!"
At the end of the video, Lao Tang's voice became gentle and sentimental.
"With this work, Gu Nan redefined the height of tokusatsu dramas. It is no longer just a science fiction or fantasy film; it is a cruel fairy tale written for adults, an epic about war, peace, history, and humanity."
"If you ask me why I watch Ultraman, I'll throw this episode in his face and tell him: Because here, we can see humanity more real than reality, and justice more dazzling than the sun."
"This is Lao Tang, see you in the next video. Gu Nan, who chases the light, we salute you!"
The video went black, but the audience's enthusiasm could not be extinguished.
In the comments section, the top-rated comment was written by a user named "Stubborn Resident of the Land of Light," and it has already received over 100,000 likes.
"After watching the finale of Project Seven, all I want to say is: Gu Nan is not only a genius director, but also a conscientious Chinese citizen."
"He used the special effects style of Japanese television to tell a story that slapped the Japanese right wing hard in the face."
"This 'using their own spear to attack their own shield' tactic is so satisfying! Seven's line 'I am an Earthling' sounds to me more like: Justice knows no borders, but conscience resides in the hearts of all people."
……
In the office of Chasing Light Pictures.
After watching Lao Tang's video, Gu Nan smiled slightly and closed the webpage.
"Tsk tsk, Old Tang's interpretation is quite insightful."
Gu Nan stretched and listened to the occasional sound of traffic outside the window, feeling particularly relaxed.
Although he did indeed adapt Seven OV from the original world, in this parallel world, combined with the current international environment, the energy unleashed by this work even surpasses that of the original.
That's the charm of entertainment works.
It can transcend time and space, becoming a sharp sword to pierce through hypocrisy.
……
The online discussion about "I Am an Earthling" will continue for a long time.
In particular, the comparison between "15,000 years" and "80 years," and the comparison between "admitting mistakes" and "remaining unrepentant," have sparked a major debate on historical perspectives online.
History professors and sociology experts from various universities have stepped forward to write articles analyzing the social metaphors in "Seven".
An article titled "Looking at the Lack of Postwar Historical Perspective in Japan Through 'I Am an Earthling'" even made it to the front page of mainstream media.
The article incisively points out: "Through a tokusatsu drama, director Gu Nan accurately exposed the ugly behavior of some countries who are burying their heads in the sand."
A nation that lacks the courage to acknowledge the sins of its ancestors will never earn true respect.
This level of discussion that has transcended its original audience has solidified "Ultraman Seven: Project Origin" as a true masterpiece.
It is no longer a subculture's celebration, but has become a cultural phenomenon that is widely discussed by the public.
As the instigator of all this, Gu Nan's reputation reached its peak.
There's even a fan group online called "Gu Men," who are passionately analyzing every shot in Gu Nan's works, trying to uncover deeper meanings.
"Director Gu isn't making a film, he's preaching."
This is the slogan of "Gu Men".
Of course, there were also many dissenting voices.
Some say Gu Nan is "selling nostalgia," some say he is "over-interpreting," and others say he is "stirring up emotions."
In response to these comments, Lao Tang posted a pinned message in the video's comment section:
"If making teenagers remember history and distinguish right from wrong is considered inciting emotions, then I hope there's more of this kind of incitement. It's a million times better than some trashy dramas that only make love stories and melodramatic whining!"
This comment instantly garnered 500,000 likes.
……
Two days later.
As the initial hype subsided, viewers began to calmly review the entire plot of "Seven".
Besides the Investiture of the Gods in the eleventh episode, all the foreshadowing from before was also unearthed.
For example, in the early episodes, Seven expressed his concern about humanity's destruction of nature; and how Fuuki, as an ordinary young man, was gradually drawn into this interstellar conflict and ultimately chose to sacrifice himself.
To everyone's surprise, Gu Nan's script was tightly structured, with subtle foreshadowing and numerous plot points.
"This is a true master screenwriter!"
"I used to think that the dramatic scenes in tokusatsu were just so-so, and that most of the time it was just watching the suit battles. Now I realize that I was too naive."
Amidst all the praise, Gu Nan locked himself in the editing room.
On the screen, the final scene of "Ultraman Seven" was playing—Ultraman Seven stood in the light, gazing at the blue Earth with a gentle yet firm look in his eyes.
I am an Earthling
Gu Nan tapped the table lightly and murmured to himself, "Seventh Master, your mission is complete. In this world, you remain the hero who loved humanity most deeply."
……
Meanwhile, Lao Tang's live stream on Bilibili started broadcasting again.
This time, he didn't do any in-depth analysis; instead, he simply chatted with his fans.
"Guys, Seven's over, and I feel so empty. Director Gu said a new project is on the way, guess what it is?"
There were all sorts of guesses in the comments.
"No matter what it is, as long as Gu Nan filmed it, I, Old Tang, will be the first to watch it!"
"After all, in this age of entertainment to the death, the fact that someone is willing to take the time to talk to us about history, justice, and humanity through tokusatsu... that sincerity deserves our utmost praise!"
"Let's wait and see, the legend of light continues!"
Perhaps this is the true meaning of the "Origin Project".
It allows light to not only remain on the screen, but also to shine into reality and into people's hearts.